Kimono History: The Nara era

It was during the Nara period that the first actual kimono-like clothing appeared. The nobility wore clothing based on Chinese clothing design. For men that would be a loose upper garment slit on both sides along with trousers. The women wore a short upper garment and along flowing skirt.

The common people dressed much more simply. The men wore kimono-like upper garments that had tight sleeves. The kimonos were tied with sashes. The men also wore pants to make working in the fields easier.

The women also wore kimono-like upper garments which overlapped right to left, opposite of today's style. The upper garment was worn over a short undergarment and a skirt.